When most people think of gymnastics classes, they think of children but here at Springfit we run classes for adults as well! We have mentioned before that gymnastics has numerous health benefits for those young and ‘old’!
If you follow us on Facebook or visit our website, you will know that twice a year we hand out progress medals to students in our classes to reward them for the hard work, determination and effort that they put into the classes. Again you may think these are just for the children? Wrong!!! We believe that everyone deserve the chance to be recognised for their hard work and so we also hand these medals out in our adult classes.
Kathy trains with us on a Wednesday at our St Bedes location and she earned herself a well deserved Progress Medal in our last round of Gymnastics Progress Medals back in late October 2015. We put a few questions to her about why she does gymnastics.
How and Why did you get into gymnastics in the first place?
“It’s something I’ve always been in awe of. I’ve literally never done anything gymnastics-wise before, I didn’t do anything as a child and have always been envious of people doing cartwheels and handstands without a second thought. It’s always been top on my list of things I’d love to be able to do, and finally decided after watching my daughter at Springfit that maybe I too could have a go.”
What do you like about training with Springfit?
“I go to Wednesday’s adult gymnastics class run by Helen, who is amazingly supportive. She always welcomes everyone regardless of ability (or lack of in my case!) and makes sure there is something appropriate for all levels to work on. Her enthusiasm is infectious and she recognised and celebrates every achievement, no matter how small. There’s a good group of coaches, Sean, Josh and Daisy (as well as some “guest” coach appearances!) who are also really supportive. I also have Star Membership, which is amazing for me. I have two young children and a husband who travels abroad a lot, which means I can’t make every week. So the ability to catch up classes without losing money every time I can’t go is ideal for me. But I love going so much that I usually try and rope one of my very kind friends into babysitting so I can still get to come! I also do adult trampoline with coach Sharley, which is ideal for beginners as everyone works at their own pace. I like the fact that Springfit have a sibling discount, which counts for parents, not just brothers and sisters.”
What is your favourite apparatus and why?
“I like the beam, as I’m not bad at balancing! I also love the air track, as it gives you an extra bounce to practise moves on. I feel I can throw myself around a little more on there as its so cushioned.”
What move can you do that you didn’t think you would be able to do?
“To be honest, there’s still so much I can’t yet do. But the important thing is I recognise how much further I am than when I started. My attempts at cartwheels are now beginning to look a bit like them, and although I can’t kick up to handstand yet, I can actually hold myself up against the wall nice and strongly, which I never actually imagined I would be able to do. There are people that walk on on their first session and can do more than me, but it doesn’t concern me, as I know I am making progress at my own level. I try and have a go at most things, but sometimes my mind just won’t let me. But I am always really pleased with myself when I overcome a fear of something and actually manage to attempt it.”
What benefits do you feel you are getting from the class?
“I get a huge sense of achievement from knowing I am facing my fears and overcoming a history of being teased as a child for being the “wrong physique” shall we say! It took immense courage to walk in that door the first time, but I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions I made. Also from a health perspective, I am definitely more flexible in the stretches now and it is a fun way to keep fit.”